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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 19, 2018 15:31 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESGuadeloupe - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in Guadeloupe.3. SECURITYCrimePetty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, occurs, including by thieves on motorcycle. There is an increased risk of criminal activity at night, especially in the old town centre of Pointe-à-Pitre, which is a port of call for Caribbean cruises. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewellery. Leave your passport and other travel documents locked in your hotel safe. Never leave personal belongings, such as money, credit cards, cell phones and other electronics, in your rental car or unattended, especially on beaches.Avoid deserted beaches and unpopulated areas after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe. Do not walk alone at night.DemonstrationsDemonstrations and labour strikes occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media. Strikes may occasionally interfere with services.Road safetyMany roads, though paved and well-maintained, are narrow and winding. Night driving can be dangerous, especially in the mountains and on rural roads. There are no streetlights. Be prepared to pay tolls around roads leading to the sea.Public transportationBus services are available in most major towns but operate only during certain hours. Ferry services provide transportation to the islands that make up Guadeloupe. Taxis are safe but expensive and must, by law, contain a working meter. Rented vehicles are available.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesHikingIf you intend on hiking:never practice these activities alone or venture off marked trails;buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation;ensure that you are in top physical condition;ensure that you are properly equipped and well-informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard;sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service; andobtain detailed information on hiking routes before setting out.Water sportsEnsure that your travel insurance covers such activities as scuba diving and sailing, should you decide to rent equipment or take classes.CruisesPointe-à-Pitre, the capital, is a cruise-ship stop. See Advice for Cruise Travellers for tips to ensure your well-being during a cruise.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the French authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.PassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of expected departure from Guadeloupe.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 daysLong-stay or residency visa: Required for stays more than 90 daysProfessional visa: RequiredStudent visa: RequiredA Schengen visa is not valid for visits to French overseas departments such as Guadeloupe.Other entry requirementsAn onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay on the island are required to visit Guadeloupe.Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesGood-quality medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, are available and offer good medical care. Not all doctors speak or understand English. Payment in advance is often expected. Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of your visit to the islands, as well as accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment. Consult Well on Your Way-A Canadian's Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad for more information.If you use prescription or over-the-counter medication, bring a supply to last your entire trip. Do not expect to obtain prescription or over-the-counter drugs in local stores or pharmacies in Guadeloupe.A hyperbaric chamber is available at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in Pointe-à-Pitre/Abymes.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Guadeloupe is a French overseas department.Canada and France are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in France to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and French authorities.DrivingYou may drive in Guadeloupe with a valid Canadian driver's licence for up to 20 days. After that period, you must have an International Driving Permit. The legal driving age in France and its territories is 18, although many rental car companies require drivers to be at least 25 years of age and have two years of driving experience.The use of seatbelts is mandatory.Children under 12 are not legally allowed in the front seat.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.Imports/exportsFrench customs authorities may enforce strict regulations for Guadeloupe concerning temporary import or export of items such as firearms, medications and animals. Contact the Embassy of France to in Canada or a French consulate for specific information regarding customs requirements.MarriagesIf you plan to marry in Guadeloupe, be certain that you have all of the required documents before leaving Canada. Consult Marriage overseas for more information.InvestmentsIf you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in Guadeloupe, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and Guadeloupe before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in France.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of France, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipMoneyThe currency is the euro (EUR). Hotels, larger restaurants and car-rental agencies accept most credit cards. Automated banking machines are common across the island. All the banks and most hotels exchange traveller's cheques and foreign currency. There are also exchange desks near the arrival areas at seaports and Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEThe local prefecture is responsible for public safety on the islands comprising Guadeloupe. For more information, consult Les services de l'État en Guadeloupe (French only).Volcanoes and earthquakesGuadeloupe is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tremors have occurred. The Grande Soufrière volcano is active and located on the south side of Basse-Terre island.Hurricane seasonHurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:know that you expose yourself to serious safety risksbe prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your tripstay informed of the latest regional weather forecastscarry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operatorfollow the advice and instructions of local authoritiesUseful linksHurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoonsLarge-scale emergencies abroadActive storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States' National Hurricane CenterHurricanes Irma and MariaHurricanes Irma and Maria swept Guadeloupe as major hurricanes on September 6 and 19, 2017, respectively. Both storms caused significant damage and recovery efforts are ongoing in some areas, particularly in the archipelago des Saintes and Marie-Galante. There, water and power have not been yet restored steadily.Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre are operating normally, although there are regular water cuts that can last up to 24 hours.Most of the major resorts are open to the public as well as most of the beaches.Contact your travel agent to determine whether the situation could disrupt travel plans.

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